Rebels Strengthen Recruiting Power as Kelvin Bolden Comes Home to Ole Miss

OXFORD, Miss. — A reunion is unfolding in the Velvet Ditch as head coach Pete Golding swiftly assembles a familiar team, welcoming back former staff members as he ushers in a new era for the Rebels. On Tuesday morning, news broke that John David Baker would be returning as Ole Miss’s next offensive coordinator.

Welcome home @_kbolden https://t.co/LjSfHZUGv7 pic.twitter.com/VbIne6Yzvg

— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) December 9, 2025

But Golding is not only focused on strengthening the Rebels’ on-field performance; he is also bolstering their recruiting efforts with the announcement that Kelvin Bolden is back. After a brief stint in Baton Rouge, Bolden is returning home to Mississippi.

Bolden joined LSU’s staff in July as an assistant general manager but previously served at Ole Miss from 2022 to 2024 as the coordinator of recruiting strategy. During his time at Ole Miss, he established one of the most robust recruiting bases, attracting both in-state and national talent. His return will undoubtedly enhance the Rebels’ recruitment efforts and help secure the fertile ground that lies within their backyard.

The Magnolia State is rich with talent, and Bolden’s presence will ensure that this pipeline remains strong and steady into Oxford, especially with his roots tracing back to Perkinston High School. He has distinguished himself not only within the SEC but across college football; last season, he was recognized as one of On3’s off-the-field recruiting stars during the 2025 cycle.

Conversations with current players and recruits reveal that Bolden is committed not just to building a program but also to fostering meaningful relationships that positively impact young athletes’ lives. While at Ole Miss, he played an integral role in assembling one of the strongest recruiting classes in program history. His deep connections within Mississippi serve as invaluable assets as the team embarks on this new chapter.

The Bolden File

Bolden understands what it takes to build a successful program—his experience as a former collegiate athlete gives him unique insight into player development. He began his journey at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College before transferring to Southern Miss, where he recorded 104 career receptions for 1,393 yards and 13 touchdowns.

An Ocean Springs native, Bolden has left his mark at every level of competition; he was inducted into both the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Hall of Fame in 2022 and the Ocean Springs Sports Hall of Fame in 2023.

Transitioning from athlete to coach has been another key factor behind his success. His diverse experience across various college football programs equips him with valuable knowledge that will guide Ole Miss toward continued growth during this revival phase.

Before returning to Oxford, Bolden served as wide receivers assistant coach and director of recruitment relations. He briefly worked at Florida as assistant director of player personnel in 2021 and spent two seasons as a graduate assistant at Arkansas.

Bolden’s return comes at pivotal moment

The return of Bolden comes at a pivotal moment for the Rebels, especially with the mass battles with the SEC. The league is not only focused on retaining a strong coaching staff but also on maintaining competitiveness in recruiting. With Bolden’s deep understanding of the culture and history here, his reappointment appears to be a strong play for head coach Pete Golding—especially with the 2027 recruiting season approaching and the ever-evolving transfer portal landscape on the horizon.

Amidst this uncertainty in college football, Golding remains steadfast in his commitment to fortifying the solid foundation that has already been established here at Ole Miss. While many SEC programs find themselves in disarray, Golding is determined to steer his team away from that fate. This squad has faced challenges head-on and is ready to carve out its own narrative, silencing any doubters along the way.

Welcome back home, Kelvin Bolden!